Python is a multi-purpose programming language that packs a punch. A popular choice for developers, Python makes writing complex programs less difficult through its clear syntax. Python can be used for writing near anything, from a small desktop application to a powerful web application.

Thunderbird, is a great choice for any desktop e-mail user. Anyone who wants an optimized interface with more features than can be provided by a webmail interface will be delighted by the experience Thunderbird delivers, and this goes doubly so for heavy email users.

The almighty media player and, for more advanced users, streamer and recorder with support for virtually every media format in existence, is VLC. It's even able to play broken and incomplete media fragments without a hitch. Although VLC is extremely powerful, it is all contained in a lightweight and minimalistic interface.